The Lightstation is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00am - 5:00pm. CLOSED ON SUNDAY.
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ELBOW REEF LIGHT
Last manual, kerosene fueled, intact and complete Lightstation on the planet.
The Elbow Reef Lightstation in Hope Town, Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas, has the only manned lighttower in the world who's burner has not been electrified. Its lens is hand-wound and it is fueled by kerosene.
ABOUT US
We are the custodians entrusted with the ongoing preservation and restoration of the 1863 Elbow Reef Lighthouse and Lightstation.
In collaboration with the Bahamas Government and related agencies, the Society has oversight of the restoration and preservation of this monument. We work in tandem with the Bahamas Port Department who oversees the Lighthouse Keepers and the kerosene requirements of the station.
ERLS ORGANIZATION
Building the Momentum for Preservation
The new executive Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society Board of Directors is committed to serving The Bahamas and preserving Abaco's maritime heritage.
The Board's restructuring aims to revitalize outreach, attract new supporters, and strengthen the Society's network across the country.
The Society raises awareness of the lighthouse's significance and the work needed to preserve it—maintenance, documentation, docents, and education—so future generations can appreciate this landmark.
Together, the board pairs educational and scholarly grounding with financial discipline, cultural preservation know-how, and deep community trust — a mix well-suited to sustaining the Lighthouse both as a historic structure and as a living symbol of Bahamian heritage.
Mari B. Chambers, Board President
Dr. Ivon Alcime, Vice President
Geoff Andrews, Treasurer
Pamela Burnside, Secretary
Dr. Michael Pateman, Board Member
Scott McGuire, Board Member
Molly Rice, Board Member
"The ERLS has a distinguished track record of fundraising and proper financial accounting, and is run by residents of the Hope Town community, including some 8th and 9th generation Abaconians. The lighthouse is one of the nation’s most recognized landmarks, and plays a vital economic role in the Abaco community.
The ERLS has maintained excellent relations with central government and has made tremendous inroads in attaining professional appraisal and opinion to guide and structure their initiatives."
James Albury, former MP Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Abaco
“The Elbow Reef Lightstation is so much more than what it actually is. It is living history! It connects people. It's a reassurance that you have guidance in the dark. It allows us to know we are home safely seeing its stripes stand out against the blue sky. The Light has, and will always be, affiliated with my greatest memories. So much thanks are owed to the people who work so hard to keep this priceless beacon alive.”
Matthew Benjamin
